Are You Hooked? Middle Grade -- Critique Guidelines

Is the voice (particularly the main character) believable for the age? Or does it sound a little too old or a little too young? (In other words, if the protagonist is 12, does he sound like a believable 12-year-old?)

Are their instances where the author's "grown-up voice" is showing? (Turns of phrase, word choice, a perspective that is too adult, etc.)

General guidelines for critique on MSFV:

Please leave your critique for each entry in the comment box for that entry.

Please choose a screen name to sign your comments. The screen name DOES NOT have to be your real name; however, it needs to be an identifiable name. ("Anonymous" is not a name.)

Critiques should be honest but kind, helpful but sensitive.

Critiques that attack the writer or are couched in unkind words will be deleted.*

Cheerleading IS NOT THE SAME as critiquing. Please don't cheerlead.

Having said that, it is perfectly acceptable to say positive things about an entry that you feel is strong. To make these positive comments more helpful, say why it's a strong entry.

ENTRANTS: As your way of "giving back", please critique a minimum of 4 other entries.

*I can't possibly read every comment. If you ever see a comment that is truly snarky, please email me. I count on your help.